January 2026 Edition
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January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#19061
What is the official designation given by the state to the 2026 military conflict between Pakistan and India?
(a) Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
(b) Marka-i-Haq
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) None of these
Explanation: The state refers to the 2026 conflict as Marka-i-Haq, which translates to 'Battle of Truth'. It is described as a defining landmark in the nation's journey. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998954/marka-i-haq-a-defining-landmark-in-the-nations-journey-ispr, 09 May 2026]
#19062
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's security policy toward Afghanistan as of 2026-03-14: 1. Pakistan has urged the Taliban administration to dismantle TTP sanctuaries on Afghan soil. 2. Pakistan maintains that its counter-terrorism operations are focused and evidence-based. 3. The Afghan Taliban has fully cooperated with Pakistan in eliminating the Balochistan Liberation Army. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the official Pakistani position on border security and counter-terrorism. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government has explicitly stated that the Afghan Taliban has failed to address the presence of terrorist organizations like the BLA and TTP. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982034/info-ministry-rubbishes-afghan-claims-of-military-post-being-captured, 14 Mar 2026]
#19063
On March 13, 2026, which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Shahid Khattak
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, as the Minister of State for Interior, presented the bill to the House. Syed Naveed Qamar is an MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah is the Deputy Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#19064
The military conflict known as Marka-i-Haq concluded with a ceasefire on which date in 2026?
(a) April 22, 2026
(b) May 9, 2026
(c) June 1, 2026
(d) May 10, 2026
Explanation: The conflict, which began with the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2026, officially ended with a ceasefire on May 10, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998954/marka-i-haq-a-defining-landmark-in-the-nations-journey-ispr, 09 May 2026]
#19065
Which of the following statements regarding the petroleum price adjustments in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has maintained a fixed, unchanging price for fuel since the beginning of the year.
(b) Petrol is primarily used in private transport and small vehicles.
(c) The government has been revising petroleum prices on a weekly basis on Friday nights.
(d) High-speed diesel is used for large generators.
Explanation: The government has frequently adjusted prices in response to market volatility, making the claim that prices remained fixed INCORRECT. The other statements accurately reflect the usage patterns and the frequency of price revisions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998722/govt-hikes-petrol-by-rs1492-per-litre-diesel-by-rs15, 08 May 2026]
#19066
Which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary on March 12, 2026?
(a) Shahid Khattak
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Tallal Chaudhry
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior, moved the bill in the National Assembly. Syed Naveed Qamar is a PPP MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah served as the Deputy Speaker during the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#19067
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border incident on March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The humanitarian pause lasted until the body was successfully retrieved.
(b) The body was identified by Afghan authorities as an Afghan national.
(c) Both sides utilized white flags during the meeting at the Zero Point.
(d) The Pakistani delegation included local figures such as Mufti Ejaz and Shah Khalid.
Explanation: The statement that the body was successfully retrieved is incorrect, as the retrieval failed due to the expiration of the deadline and administrative delays. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981371/brief-pause-in-fighting-between-pak-afghan-forces-to-identify-retrieve-body-at-torkham, 12 Mar 2026]
#19068
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative status of the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The bill was introduced through a supplementary agenda.
(c) The bill faced criticism for granting the federal government broad authority to use the force nationwide.
(d) The bill was successfully passed by both Houses of Parliament on the same day.
Explanation: The bill was NOT passed; the legislative process was halted due to a lack of quorum. The other statements accurately reflect the content and procedural context of the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#19069
According to the Prime Minister's statement on May 9, 2026, which issue remains an 'unfinished agenda of Partition'?
(a) The Iran-US conflict
(b) The Kashmir issue
(c) The Afghanistan border dispute
(d) The Gwadar port development
Explanation: The Prime Minister reiterated that the Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of Partition and is critical for strategic stability in South Asia. The other options are unrelated to the historical context of the Partition of the subcontinent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998951/etched-in-history-pm-shehbaz-says-pakistan-cannot-be-intimidated-or-subdued-as-nation-marks-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 09 May 2026]
#19070
Which ministry in Pakistan issued the official denial regarding the alleged targeted deportation of Pakistanis from the UAE on May 8, 2026?
(a) Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(b) Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis
(c) Ministry of Interior
(d) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Explanation: The Ministry of Interior issued the statement on X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that no sect-specific deportations were occurring. While the Foreign Office also addressed the matter, the primary denial regarding the nature of the deportations originated from the Interior Ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998692/interior-ministry-denies-reports-of-country-or-sect-specific-deportation-of-pakistanis-from-uae, 08 May 2026]
#19071
In which stadium was the second ODI match between Pakistan and Bangladesh held in March 2026?
(a) Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
(b) Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium
(c) Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
(d) Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium
Explanation: The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The other options are also cricket venues in Bangladesh but were not the site of this specific match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981999/icc-reprimands-salman-ali-agha-for-breaching-code-of-conduct-in-bangladesh-odi, 14 Mar 2026]
#19072
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber-Shield
(d) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other options refer to historical or hypothetical military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981371/brief-pause-in-fighting-between-pak-afghan-forces-to-identify-retrieve-body-at-torkham, 12 Mar 2026]
#19073
Nehal Hashmi was appointed as the Governor of Sindh in 2026 as a representative of which political party?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
(b) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)
(c) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
(d) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). His appointment was recommended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who leads the PML-N. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#19074
Which of the following statements regarding the appointment of the Sindh Governor in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The appointment was made on the advice of the Prime Minister.
(b) The President of Pakistan granted the final approval for the appointment.
(c) The appointment process involved the signing of a formal Commission of Appointment.
(d) The MQM-P was consulted and provided prior consent for the removal of the incumbent governor.
Explanation: The MQM-P leadership, including Farooq Sattar, explicitly stated that they were not consulted and had no prior information regarding the removal of Kamran Tessori, making statement C incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#19075
Who served as the match referee for the second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh in March 2026?
(a) Adrian Holdstock
(b) Tanvir Ahmed
(c) Kumar Dharmasena
(d) Neeyamur Rashid Rahul
Explanation: Neeyamur Rashid Rahul of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees proposed the sanction. The others listed were on-field or third/fourth umpires. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981999/icc-reprimands-salman-ali-agha-for-breaching-code-of-conduct-in-bangladesh-odi, 14 Mar 2026]
#19076
Which parliamentary official presided over the National Assembly session on March 13, 2026, when the quorum issue was raised?
(a) Speaker of the National Assembly
(b) Chairman of the Senate
(c) Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the session when the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker and Chairman of the Senate were not the presiding officers for this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#19077
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative events of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The opposition protested by tearing apart copies of the agenda.
(c) Amendments proposed by Syed Naveed Qamar were approved before the session was prorogued.
(d) The Deputy Speaker immediately accepted the opposition's call for a count of members.
Explanation: The Deputy Speaker, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, ignored the opposition's initial calls for a count of members. He only acted after the lack of quorum was formally pointed out by an MNA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#19078
What is the total value of the emergency fund that the government plans to utilize to absorb petroleum price shocks as of 2026-03-12?
(a) Rs289 billion
(b) Rs589 billion
(c) Rs489 billion
(d) Rs389 billion
Explanation: The government has allocated a Rs389 billion emergency fund to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices on domestic consumers. Other options represent incorrect figures that do not align with the official fiscal planning mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#19079
Which political figure pointed out the lack of quorum in the National Assembly on March 12, 2026?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Shahid Khattak
(c) Syed Naveed Qamar
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: PTI-backed MNA Shahid Khattak pointed out the lack of quorum to the Deputy Speaker. This action effectively halted the legislative proceedings on the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#19080
What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?
(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]